International Paper to Invest $225 Million in New Packaging Facility in Mississippi

International Paper has announced plans to build a new sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, expanding its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. Mid-South region. The proposed greenfield project, located in Brandon, underscores the company’s strategy to modernize operations and support long-term growth in packaging demand.

The planned facility will span approximately 468,000 square feet and involve a capital investment of around $225 million. It will be constructed on an 80-acre site less than 10 miles from the company’s existing box plant in Richland, enabling operational continuity. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with the site scheduled to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2027. Employees from the current Richland plant are expected to transition to the new facility once it is completed.

The new plant will produce corrugated packaging and incorporate updated equipment and modern manufacturing systems designed to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality. By replacing older infrastructure with a more advanced facility, International Paper aims to reduce structural costs while enhancing service capabilities across the region. The design also includes updated safety features and operational technologies intended to support workforce productivity.

The investment comes as demand for corrugated packaging continues to be supported by e-commerce growth and shifting supply chain dynamics. Packaging producers are increasingly upgrading facilities to improve efficiency and meet evolving sustainability expectations, including reduced material use and improved recyclability. Investments in modern plants are also aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and improving responsiveness to customer needs.

For International Paper, the project forms part of a broader effort to optimize its box plant system and allocate capital toward higher-performing assets. Consolidating production into a new, more efficient facility is expected to improve overall cost competitiveness while supporting key customer segments in the Mid-South market.

At the regional level, the development reflects continued industrial investment in Mississippi, where state and local authorities have been seeking to attract large-scale manufacturing projects. The facility is expected to support job retention and create additional employment opportunities, contributing to the area’s economic base.

The project highlights ongoing capital investment in packaging infrastructure as manufacturers adapt to changing market conditions and prioritize efficiency, scale, and sustainability in their operations.

Source: PR Newswire

SUNSHINE Spotlight: International Paper’s Mississippi investment reflects ongoing modernization in the packaging sector as companies upgrade capacity to meet rising demand and efficiency requirements.